Lead

Israeli police have questioned a foreign soccer coach from the country's top division over allegations of sexually harassing a taxi driver in Tel Aviv, according to police statements and multiple media reports. The suspect, identified by Israeli media as Maccabi Tel Aviv's Ronny Deila, was released under restrictive conditions after questioning on Sunday, with the investigation ongoing.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from the Jerusalem Post, citing Israeli outlets and police statements, say a complaint was filed over the weekend by a taxi driver who alleged the coach made sexual remarks toward her during a ride. The incident reportedly occurred late Thursday night or overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, after the coach left a bar or nightlife venue in central Tel Aviv.

According to reports, the driver said the coach was drunk during the short ride, made repeated comments of a sexual nature, and left without paying the approximately NIS 50 fare. The coach, described as a 50-year-old foreign national living in Israel, was summoned for questioning on Sunday morning and released at the end of the session.

Key Claims

  • Sexual Harassment Allegation: The taxi driver alleged the coach made sexual propositions and comments toward her during a ride lasting roughly six minutes, according to Mako's account of her statement to police.
  • Coach's Response: The coach denied having any memory of the incident. KAN reported he told investigators he did not remember what happened, while Mako quoted him as saying he had been drinking and that the incident may have been a "big misunderstanding."
  • Release Conditions: Police said the coach was released under restrictive conditions. N12 News reported these included an order distancing him from the complainant, although this detail has not been independently confirmed.
  • Identity of the Coach: Israeli media initially identified the suspect only as a senior foreign coach. Later reports from N12 identified him as Ronny Deila, who announced the suspicion himself, according to the Jerusalem Post.